Seattle Underage DUI Attorney
If you have been charged with an underage DUI in Seattle, this is a significant legal issue that can have life-altering consequences. Washington state has stringent zero-tolerance laws for drivers under the age of 21. Even small traces of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge. As such cases have extremely high stakes, it’s crucial to work with a dedicated and experienced Seattle underage DUI lawyer who can help fight back against these charges.
At Peters Associates, LLC, our empathetic team of Seattle DUI defense lawyers understands the significant consequences of an underage DUI, from fines, probation, and potential jail time to difficulties obtaining academic and career opportunities. We can help you safeguard your rights, calling to question the evidence against you and fighting to get your charges reduced or your case dismissed.
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A Breakdown of Washington’s Underage DUI Laws
Drivers under the age of 21 can face underage DUI charges if they are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.02% or greater. This is significantly less than the standard BAC limit of 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over.
Individuals charged with a first-time offense could face fines, jail time, a driver’s license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs or probation. Repeated offenses can lead to even harsher penalties, such as increased fines, extended jail sentences, and longer periods of license suspension. An installation of an ignition interlock device may also be required.
An underage DUI conviction can have significant impacts on an individual’s ability to get into college, find a job, and participate in certain programs, as a conviction for a DUI remains on your criminal record forever.
Defense Strategies for Underage DUI Charges
An experienced criminal defense lawyer from Peters Associates, LLC can help you launch a comprehensive criminal defense strategy to minimize or dismiss your DUI charges. Strategies they may leverage include the following:
- Calling into question your BAC or breathalyzer test results.
- Challenging whether your traffic stop was legal.
- Demonstrating that you were not under the influence at the time of the traffic stop.
- Proving that your constitutional rights were violated.
We are prepared to fight fiercely on your behalf in criminal and civil proceedings.
The Benefits of Hiring a Seattle Underage DUI Lawyer From Our Firm
By working with a knowledgeable Seattle underage DUI lawyer from Peters Associates, LLC, you can benefit from informed legal representation that understands the laws and regulations surrounding your case and how to navigate the legal process to aggressively fight your charges.
We know that defendants of underage DUI crimes are just getting started with their lives and understand the importance of fiercely defending their future and minimizing any long-term consequences. We do this by leveraging robust evidence and legal argumentation.
Additionally, we can work to help you and your loved one explore alternative options to harsh penalties in Seattle, such as alcohol education programs, community service, and probation. When you choose to work with us, you can rest assured that your case is being handled by highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals.
FAQs
A: Penalties for an underage DUI in Washington are dependent on various factors, including the defendant’s criminal history and whether there were any aggravating factors in the case. For first-time offenses, offenders could face jail time, fines, and license suspension, with repeat offenses leading to harsher penalties. Additionally, defendants could face required alcohol education programs, probation, and increased insurance rates.
As the stakes are high for underage DUIs, it’s crucial to work with a skilled lawyer who can minimize penalties.
A: Yes. Even if you were not driving, you can be charged with an underage DUI. The state of Washington has “Physical Control” and “Minor in Possession” laws, which means you may face charges if you possess alcohol, consume alcohol in a parked car with keys, or demonstrate signs of intoxication in a public area. An experienced Seattle underage DUI lawyer can go over your case details and fight for minimal charges or a dismissal.
A: Yes, an underage DUI in Washington stays on your criminal record permanently. This can lead to many negative consequences, such as difficulty accessing job opportunities, getting into college, and any achievement that requires a background check. Depending on the case, however, a DUI lawyer may be able to petition to have your record sealed or expunged after a certain period of time.
A: Defenses that may be available for underage DUI charges include showing that the equipment used to measure BAC was improperly calibrated or maintained or that the test administration was not according to protocol. Furthermore, a lawyer may be able to show that your constitutional rights were breached or that you were stopped and searched without probable cause.
Another plausible defense may be demonstrating that medical conditions or other factors influenced your BAC readings.
A: A Seattle underage DUI lawyer can provide you with crucial support by advocating fiercely on your behalf in the courtroom to avoid a conviction. If the evidence against you is overwhelming, they can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or fight for alternative sentencing measures such as diversion programs.
Your lawyer can call into question the evidence against you and any legal procedures you underwent to protect your rights and ensure you are not convicted on faulty grounds.
Defend Your Driving Privileges and Future With a Seattle Underage DUI Lawyer
If you or someone you know is facing underage DUI charges in Seattle or surrounding areas, there could be significant consequences, such as lost opportunities for college admissions, difficulty obtaining jobs, and more.
An empathetic attorney from Peters Associates, LLC can fight on your behalf to minimize potential penalties, preserving your right to a bright future. Contact us today to learn more about how we can defend your case.
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